Key Takeaways:
- Heavy traffic is expected over the New Year period, particularly around the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne
- Police are urging drivers to expect delays and to drive safely, focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed
- Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the festival, with police presence on main and back roads to monitor driving behavior
- Festival organizers are reminding attendees to dress to the conditions, with rain expected on the first day of the festival
- Police are encouraging people to report unsafe driving behavior and to prioritize road safety over the holiday period
Introduction to the New Year Period
The New Year period is expected to bring heavy traffic to the roads, particularly around the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne. With many people unfamiliar with the roads, police are urging drivers to exercise caution and patience. Tairāwhiti area commander Inspector Danny Kirk reminded drivers that they will be sharing the roads with people who may not be familiar with the terrain, and to build in extra travel time to account for potential delays.
Police Presence and Road Safety
Police will have a visible presence on both main and back roads across the region, focusing on key areas such as restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed. Inspector Kirk emphasized the importance of driving safely, stating that police will be "unapologetically focused" on safety. Drivers can expect to be breath-tested, and police will not accept excuses for poor driving behavior. The police are also encouraging people to report unsafe driving behavior, either by calling 111 if they witness it or 105 to report it after the fact.
Rhythm and Vines Festival
The Rhythm and Vines festival is expected to attract over 20,000 attendees, with the event reaching full swing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Festival director Kieran Spillane said that despite the expected rain on the first day of the festival, the grounds are expected to dry out by December 30 and 31. The festival organizers are reminding attendees to dress to the conditions, and are not expecting to make any significant adaptations to the festival due to the weather. The festival will feature a range of music acts, including a heavy metal band on the main stage, which Spillane said is a new direction for the festival.
Weather Conditions
The weather is expected to be a significant factor over the New Year period, with an orange heavy rain warning issued for the Gisborne region. The warning is in place from 6am on Monday morning to Tuesday, with significant rainfall expected during this time. However, the festival organizers are confident that the grounds will be able to absorb the rain, given the dry conditions in the region over the past month. Attendees are advised to check the weather forecast before heading to the festival and to dress accordingly.
Road Safety and Responsibility
Inspector Kirk emphasized the importance of road safety over the holiday period, stating that every driver has a responsibility to ensure that they, their passengers, and other road users arrive at their destination safely. He encouraged people to stay sober if driving, to wear seatbelts, and to avoid distractions such as using their phone while driving. By prioritizing road safety, drivers can help to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Year period is expected to bring heavy traffic and potential delays, particularly around the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne. Police are urging drivers to exercise caution and patience, and to prioritize road safety. By following the advice of the police and festival organizers, attendees can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period for everyone. With a focus on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed, police are committed to keeping the roads safe, and attendees are encouraged to report any unsafe driving behavior. By working together, we can all play a part in making the roads safer over the holiday period.